Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Two Redding California men were both sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison in connection with the vicious beating of Christopher Avery.

A 13-year-old boy also arrested in the attack on the homeless man gives this account of what has been described as 'deplorable.'

"The 13-year-old told police that Sposito and Fecht repeatedly punched, kicked and head-butted Avery, even after he was on the ground and eventually they threw his badly beaten body into a nearby trash bin.

“(The boy) told me Sposito used a large boulder to try and break the victim’s knees by dropping it on the victim,” RPD investigator Will Williams wrote in a separate police report. “(The boy) told me after the victim was beaten, the suspects took the victim’s clothes off and then said, ‘Let’s burn him.’”

Saturday, August 24, 2013

In April of 2006 Loaves & Fishes, Francis House, SHOC, Homeless Advocates, and the homeless rallied at the California State Capital to urge the City, County, and State to create a Safe Ground where the homeless can camp at night.

Homeless Advocates from Modesto to Redding were prepared to be arrested as it is against the law to have a﻿ sleeping bag anywhere on State Capital property as homeless advocates block the south state capital entrance practicing non violent civil disobedience as they dare California State Highway patrol officers to arrest them !

.

"The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness begins at Loaves and Fishes with 300 homeless folks getting on the bus and rallying for their cause. Watch the enthusiasm build as they are dropped off at the Capitol steps!"

(Part 2)Sister Libby of Sacramento Loaves and Fishes at the non violent civil disobedience rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness heats up on the steps of the Capitol. Watch as powerful speakers make their case to the public, officials and the media.

(Part 3)The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness develops into an emotional plea for justice and humanity on the steps of the Capitol. Watch as homeless folks and advocates express their heartfelt vision

Sister Libby director of Sacramento Loaves and Fishes calls fellow homeless advocates for a photo opportunity and sleeping bags as they prepare to be arrested for act of non violent civil disobedience!

(Part 4)The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness moves into a stand-off between advocates and the police. One homeless advocate lays his sleeping bag right out in the middle of the sidewalk ! Watch what transpires as the evening wears on !

Unfortunately it seems like homeless hatred is on the rise in Redding California and abroad. Homeless folks are rapidly loosing their civil and constitutional rights. Police chase and evict homeless from their camps, some taking and throwing away their necessary survival gear and personal possessions in a cruel and unusual game of cat and mouse. One cityhas now set up a hotline to remove homeless people from its no homeless allowed downtown business district. Local businesses and residents can report the location and offensive presence of homeless person to police on sight making homelessness once again a crime.

What should or could be done on this day? The day is there for you and your community to use to create change and make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness in your local area.

Food Drives ... Fundraisers... Candlelight Vigil ... Awareness Protest March or Rally... Use the day in any way you want

YOU CHOOSE THE EVENT !

Please help get the word out ... benefit homeless people locally and in different countries around the globe and make a difference during World Homeless Action Day !

With the recent persecution and indifference of homeless folks in Redding and Shasta County California by local government officials what better time than now to create an event and support the less fortunate !What are you doing for World Homeless Action Day 10/10/13 ?

Sunday, August 18, 2013

On October 17, 2006 the Redding California Police Chief, the Fire Chief , and Dave Honey of the Good News Rescue Mission all spoke in favor of at the City of Redding Council meeting amending Redding Municipal Code Chapter 10-40 Unlawful Camping making it a possible misdemeanor punishable by up to a 1000 dollar fine and/or 6 months in jail for the homeless crime of sleeping or keeping warm by a campfire anywhere in the city limits effectively criminalizing homelessness.

Why do homeless need SAFE GROUND ?

Sacramento Attorney Mark Merin advocates for "safe ground" and the human right to a safe place to sleep.

Fast forward to 8/17/2013 to a Record Searchlight article "Homeless encampments, natural features create perfect storm for Market Street fires" and we know now that due to the criminalization of homelessness and the dynamics of fear created homeless are camping and hiding not only deeper in the steep canyons and brush behind Market St. BUT IN ALL brush and canyons surrounding most of Redding due to short sighted past local government management.

But what is SAFE GROUND ?

Filmmaker Costa Mantis moved into tent city and lived in a tent to give the homeless people of Sacramento California a voice.

We at theRedding Coalition for the Homeless also are against practices and laws that unfairly single out homeless people and criminalize﻿ them for everyday living and life-sustaining activities and quite possibly violate their civil and constitutional rights. California needs safe “legalized” campgrounds with clean water, bathrooms, and trash services until Redding, Shasta County, and the State of California is willing and able to provide adequate shelters and affordable housing for the growing numbers of homeless folks free of homeless camping tickets, criminalization and evictions.

Safe Ground Rally California State CapitalApril 22, 2009

Loaves & Fishes, Francis House, SHOC, Homeless Advocates, and the homeless rallied at the California State Capital to urge the City, County, and State to create a Safe Ground where the homeless can camp at night.

SEARCHING FOR SAFE GROUND is ready for it's West Coast World Premiere at the AOF IX International Film Festival on Thursday August 22nd 2013 at 8PM at the Krikorian Theatre on 410 South Myrtle Ave. in Monrovia.